Pulis: Coleman needs Wales support

Stoke manager Tony Pulis has urged the whole of Wales to give Chris Coleman the support that was afforded to Gary Speed.

Coleman is set to take over as Wales boss, less than two months after Speed's death at the age of 42. After winning 32 caps for Wales, and after managing Fulham, Real Sociedad and Coventry in the past, Coleman would certainly bring plenty of experience to the role.

The only question for fellow Welshman and Stoke manager Pulis is whether Coleman will be afforded the time needed given the situation is still raw following Speed's death. "In going for Chris, brilliant, now everybody get behind him," said Pulis.

"It's difficult (becoming Wales manager) due to the circumstances surrounding Gary, but Chris knew Gary very well, and everybody in Wales will understand.

"He just needs a little bit of luck, a little bit of time, as we all do. I think he will be given a bit more time, and certainly a lot more grace.

"He has great experience, and he's worked for a long time in the Premier League. He's played for Wales, so he understands the situation, the set-up and everything else. He'll know the players back to front as well.

"All the people who helped Gary, helped him get the results whilst he was in the job, should get behind Chris now and the country can push forward."

Results improved significantly under Speed and Pulis hopes Coleman can carry on the good work and qualify Wales for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

"There are some great young players in Wales, and hopefully there are some good times to come," added Pulis.

"They've picked a man who is a good football man, and I'm sure he will do a great job there. Now he should be given the opportunity and the chance to hopefully put together a team that will get us qualified."

Manchester City were the last English champions to be relegated the very next season, going down in 1938 despite finishing the season as top scorers. The Foxes, just a few months after sensationally lifting the Premier League trophy, are now just two points above the relegation zone. It couldn’t really happen, could it? Perhaps the ghost of relegated champions past will make Leicester change their ways. Maybe they’ll give Bob Cratchit Christmas Day off after all. More »